Sunday 20 November 2011

WW Coconut Bacon

On Saturday morning, Sylvia got me up early (well at about 7am).  It was ok.  I had plans.  I had coconut flakes.  I had the remains of a bottle of Figaro Liquid Smoke.  I mixed them with some tamari, maple syrup and water.  They marinated while I got Sylvia porridge and pottered.  Then I fried the coconut flakes and made a sandwich with pumpkin bread, tomato and avocado.  It was one of the best breakfasts I have had for ages.

I first read about Coconut Bacon before when I made this Bean and Buckwheat Facon.  It didn't appeal.  Then Lisa (and other bloggers) raved about the CLT (Coconut Bacon, Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich) at New Day Rising.  Now I want to go there but I don't eat out much and the place looks unsuitable for a toddler.  When I saw the picture of Vegan Fox in the Snow's sandwich with tomato, avocado and coconut bacon, I had to try it.

I was a bit unsure about it.  To bake or to fry? (Frying seemed quicker.)  Could I use smoked paprika given that I didn't have much liquid smoke left?  (Apparently, yes.)  Would the coconut soak up the extra marinade? (No.)  I checked a few other posts but didn't have much time for research.  So, as our lovely consultant at work advises, I got my hands dirty having a go at it.

The facon (fake bacon) was fantastic in the sandwich.  It crisped up nicely and was very tasty.  It was also far simpler and quicker than many other facon recipes.  My main reservation is that it wasn't as full of protein as the Bean and Buckwheat Facon that I loved.  I have however read that you can leave it marinating in the fridge for a few days and when cooked, keep it in an airtight container.

I didn't get the chance to store mine in an airtight container.  Serendipitously, my friend Yarrow, who gifted me the liquid smoke and trialed my previous facon recipe with me, came to lunch.  I was pleased to offer the facon as a snack because I was a little behind on lunch.  It kept up going nicely while we chopped, rolled and fried.  I served some pea and lentil salad with the meal.  It was wonderful with some flakes of coconut bacon sprinkled on top.  More on the lunch later.  It has been a busy weekend.  Meanwhile I have more facon marinating in the fridge and look forward to frying it up.

I am sending this coconut bacon to Ricki for her Wellness Weekends.

Previously on Green Gourmet Giraffe
This time last year: WHB Cauliflower Tart
This time two years ago: Polenta Pizza People
This time three years ago: Chocolate Cake, Creative Control and Climate Change

Coconut Bacon (Facon)
Adapted from  VegWeb via Vegan Fox in the Snow

3 handfuls of flaked coconut (about 80-100g)
2 tbsp tamari
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp water (optional - only add if you need more liquid)
2 tsp liquid smoke (or 1 tsp smoked paprika)
1/4 tsp smoked paprika

Mix coconut flakes with other ingredients.  I found there was a little extra liquid so I added a little more coconut to soak it up (it didn't get soaked up when I left it to marinate for a while).  Spray non stick saucepan with oil and fry over medium heat until just slightly charred around the edges.  Recipes say you can also heat in a low oven until crisp but I haven't found advice on timing.  Cool on kitchen paper.  Great for garnishing salads, soups and sandwiches.

NOTE: I bought the coconut flakes at the organics stall at the Queen Vic market in Melbourne (beside the egg stall).  They were displaying packets at the counter so I bought some on a whim.

On the Stereo:
The Love Songs of Burt Bacharach: Various Artists

11 comments:

  1. I love fake bacon, and that ones sounds so much better and cheaper than the bought stuff. I'm going to add the recipe to my "to make when i get home" list.
    Also, avocado and bacon is perhaps the most perfect food combination ever. Yum!

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  2. I've never heard of coconut facon!! How interesting. I have to save taht recipe. :)

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  3. Wow, what an unusual idea! Glad to hear it worked well, it's always good to find new things!

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  4. what an interesting 'bacon' variety! Very clever indeed!

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  5. Sounds wonderful! I've never had coconut bacon and it's something I've also read about and have wanted to try. So glad you got liquid smoke, though! :D I seem to have a really tough time finding coconut flakes (vs. shredded) but will keep looking if it means I can have coconut bacon!

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  6. Interesting! And you remind me that I still need to look out for liquid smoke...

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  7. Oh, I'm really glad a local has tried this at home! Where did you buy your coconut flakes?

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  8. This looks fantastic! I have been on the hunt for coconut flakes as I have wanted to try coconut bacon for a while. Where did you buy yours from?

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  9. I am seriously in awe of your ability to whip up new creations every single day! Holy moly! :)

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  10. Thanks Keira - good luck with it - agree with you about avocado and bacon - just so right together

    Thanks Ashley - I only heard about it recently

    Thanks C - I was pleasantly surprised at how good this is - definitely a great discovery

    Thanks lisa

    Thanks Ricki - have wondered if you could do this with the chunky shredded variety - because my recent cooking with it needed something less chunky than the flakes - and the flakes aren't so common here

    Thanks Kari - I need to find a supplier too

    Thanks Cindy - I have put a note about the coconut flakes that I found at the vic market

    Thanks Mel - See note at end of post - if you can get to the vic market they are there - have you looked in health food stores?

    Thanks Hannah - "blush" not every single day but I blame vegan mofo for the current wave of creativity - just wish I had more time for it

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  11. On the plate it looks browned, crunchy and attractive. I think you did a better job than you think!

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